Bail Reduced For Wife Of West Philadelphia Abortion Doctor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The bail for the wife of the West Philadelphia abortion doctor at the center of an alleged mass murder case has gotten her bail virtually eliminated, clearing the way for her release pending trial.

Bail for Pearl Gosnell has been reduced from $1 million to only her signature. She allegedly conspired and assisted her husband, Dr. Kermit Gosnell, in performing abortions of fetuses at 24 weeks or more past conception (see related story).

The prosecution had argued that Pearl Gosnell, with a shore property and other rental properties, was a flight risk, but Judge Benjamin Lerner, citing evidence she is a devoted parent to her 13-year-old daughter, found there is no reason she should be in custody pending trial (see previous story).

But he did order house arrest.

“House arrest implies electronic monitoring,” explains defense attorney Michael Medway, “and as the court said, at least at the outset it will be strictly monitored. She will not be able to leave the house for any reason on her own.”

But Judge Lerner noted a few exceptions, including court appearances and previously scheduled meetings with her counsel.